Acute Oak Decline

Britain’s oak trees are under threat as a result of climate change. Chronic Oak Decline has been been known about for some time and results in a tree becoming ‘stag headed’ and eventually dying within five to 15 years. Chronic Oak Decline is believed to be linked to changes in climate and also types of fungi. There are many examples of trees suffering from this around Haughley and Wetherden and unfortunately there is no treatment for this condition.

Recently the Council has been alerted to a new, and more serious condition. Acute Oak Decline can kill a tree within three to five years. This attacks mature trees over 50 years old and the visible symptoms are bleeding of resin from the stem and deep furrowed bark. In December, the cause of this was traced to a bacteria, but the way the condition is spread is not yet known. More information on this, including recommendations on what to do if you have a tree with the symptoms, can be found on the Forestry Commission’s website.